Patients in a Galway hospital terrorised by 'scary' seagull attacks

Angry gulls have swooped in recent weeks on occupants of vehicles in the multi-storey carpark at Galway Clinic as they emerged from their vehicles. Picture: Larry Cummins Irish Examiner

Patients and visitors may be attacked by “aggressive” seagulls at an elite West of Ireland hospital, management has warned.

Angry gulls have swooped in recent weeks on occupants of vehicles in the multi-storey carpark at Galway Clinic as they emerged from their vehicles.

One female victim targeted by the birds described what happened to her as “scary”.

She recounted: “I had just exited my car on the roofless section of the four-storey carpark when this seagull descended, wings flapping, shrieking wildly.

“I was really relieved when I managed to make it through the glass door to the safety of the foyer, where the carpark lifts are located."

As a result of reports and complaints, hospital management has now placed warning notices on the glass entry and exit doors to the fourth-floor carpark tier, alerting the public to the potential dangers.

The notice reads: “Caution. Aggressive bird activity. A nesting seagull has been observed in this area and may act aggressively.

“Do not approach or try to disturb the bird. Use alternative access routes where possible. We are working with wildlife specialists to resolve the issue safely. Thank you for your understanding.” 

Galway Clinic, which is operated by Blackrock Health, is situated on a coastal stretch of Galway Bay, close to Oranmore.

Wildlife experts say the problems caused by protective gulls are not exclusive to the Galway Bay area, and all communities and businesses in all urban coastline areas are currently affected.

Gulls typically lay their eggs in April and May, with hatching in June.

During the nesting/hatching period, gulls can become highly aggressive as they protect their nests, eggs and fledglings.

Buildings, rooftops, and ledges in towns provide attractive nesting sites, as is the case at Galway Clinic.

It is understood that one potential long-term resolution being considered by the hospital is the use of netting to prevent the gulls from potential nesting spots.

Decoy birds of prey are also being considered as an alternative deterrent action.